Anything for You by Jo Ann Ferguson Page B

this!” Farley jutted his chin out. “If—”
    â€œCalvin dearest,” murmured a squeaky voice, “do remember your manners.”
    Gypsy grimaced when Rose Quinlan slipped her arm possessively through Farley’s. Beneath her fur-lined cape, her fashionable gown of a green the color of pine needles had a short coat that clung to her while the slender skirt followed the lines of her trim body. Each step revealed a hint of the lacy petticoat she wore below her tightly corseted waist. With the small hat set at a rakish angle on her upswept blond curls, Rose displayed the wealth showered on her by her besotted paramour.
    â€œHow do you do, Mr.—” She giggled childishly. “Is it Mr. Lassiter?” She held out her hand to Adam.
    â€œYes, miss.” Taking her hand, he bowed over it with a grace Gypsy was surprised he could manage while on his crutch.
    â€œI saw what you did to save Gypsy.” Her nose wrinkled as if speaking Gypsy’s name sullied her in some way. A brilliant smile tilted her lips again. “You are so very brave.”
    â€œI was fortunate to be able to help.”
    â€œThink what would have happened if you had not been here.” A fragile shudder barely moved her shoulders. “I quiver at the thought.” Fluttering her eyelashes, she asked, “Are you new here, Mr. Lassiter? I’m sure I haven’t seen you before.”
    Gypsy watched Farley’s eyes become dark slits when Adam continued to hold Rose’s hand. She was torn between wanting to laugh at the camp manager’s obvious jealousy and her own irritation that Adam would kiss her one minute and flirt with Rose the next.
    Her elbow was scraped, and her head ached from where she had hit it on the ice. That must be why she was having such silly thoughts about the threatening note and being bothered that Adam still held Rose’s hand.
    Farley plucked Rose’s fingers out of Adam’s. Gruffly he said, “If no one is hurt, we’ll be on our way. It’ll be dark soon.”
    â€œI’ll see Gypsy gets home safely,” Adam called as Farley lifted his mistress back into the sled. “No need for you to bother.”
    The camp manager’s back stiffened. His mouth worked angrily as Rose waved and said, “How kind of you, Mr. Lassiter. I’m certain I shall see you again about the camp.”
    â€œNot if I have any choice in the matter,” Adam murmured, stepping back as Farley turned the sled toward the logging road. Even before it was out of sight, he asked, “Can you walk back to the cookhouse, Gypsy?”
    â€œAre you going to carry me if I can’t?”
    â€œI could try.”
    â€œAnd we’d end up in a snowbank.” When he frowned, she hurried to add, “Thanks for saving me from Farley’s driving.”
    â€œNow you owe me a favor.” He brushed snow and ice off his denims. Raising his gaze to lock with hers, he said, “And I intend to collect right away.”
    â€œAdam …” She wanted to tell him they should not compound one mistake of nearly losing themselves in a feverish kiss by falling victim to pleasure once more. She liked Adam. He was brash, a bit arrogant, and his kisses drained her of every thought but desire.
    But she had learned what happened to those she cared about. Too many had died, leaving her with little but grief and this life far from home. She would not let someone else get hurt.
    Her sister had called her a fool, telling her not to let coincidence ruin her life. Gypsy had been ready to agree, until the threatening note resurrected all her fears. If she even considered falling in love with Adam, she would be doubly foolish—first for letting herself be seduced by his quick wit and quicksilver touch; second for putting him in what might be deadly danger.
    Adam grinned, warning her that, for once, he had not gauged the course of her thoughts. “Don’t worry,